Bio-mechanical finger brace assembly

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a biomechanical finger brace assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip, a proximal ring configured to concentrically receive a user&#39;s finger, a distal ring configured to concentrically receive the finger, and a rocker formed in an H-shape. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip, such that movements of the finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. The coupling tip may include an open end or an enclosed recess to accept a minimally-amputated or non-amputated finger. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION

The application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/111,506, filed Feb. 3, 2015 byJon Bengtsson, Robert Thompson, and Charles Colin Macduff for“BIO-MECHANICAL FINGER BRACE ASSEMBLY,” and 62/115,119, filed Feb. 11,2015 by Robert Thompson and Jon Bengtsson for “BIO-MECHANICAL FINGERASSEMBLY WITH A DISTAL PHALANGES COMPONENT,” both of which patentapplications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

If a person loses finger mobility, finger functionality, or all or asegment of his or her physical finger, the result is impairedperformance of the hand. Having an amputated or minimally functioningfinger (e.g., due to nerve damage, excessive scar tissue, neurologicaldamage or disorders, or other bone or musculature dysfunctionalities)inhibits the person from performing some of the most basic tasks. Forexample, with one or more dysfunctional fingers, the task of typing on acomputer keyboard or dialing on a telephone becomes significantly moredifficult. These types of tasks require precise actions that onlyfingers are able to offer.

Not only do fingers allow for the performance of precise physicalactions, they also provide an increased ability to grip or handle items.While holding an item in the hand, the weight of the item is dispersedthrough all of a user's fingers. By varying the force used by eachfinger on the holder's hand, the holder is able to manipulate the itemin a myriad of ways. However, if the holder is missing all or even partof a single digit, or if a digit is present but nonfunctioning, thisfreedom of manipulation and the number of degrees through which theholder can manipulate the item is drastically decreased.

Current prosthetic finger and finger brace/support solutions demonstrateseveral drawbacks. First, a primary category of prosthetics are designedto be worn passively and offer a realistic look. They provide little tono functionality and do not enable the owner to restore functionality tohis or her hand. Other prosthetics offer the user some level of restoredfunctionality, but are complex in design and electrically powered. Theseprosthetics, while perhaps better than going without, are impractical inthat they require an external power source and can be both bulky andunwieldy for the user to manage. Still other prosthetic fingers and/orbraces are body-powered but lack the design flexibility necessary toaccommodate any length of residual finger (e.g., all or partiallyamputated and varying degrees of amputation) while providing maximumdexterity, grip strength, and finger articulation in an attractive,low-profile device.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects oressential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summaryis not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

One embodiment provides a biomechanical brace assembly for a user'sresidual digit, where a residual digit may include a partially amputatedfinger or a non-amputated finger. The biomechanical brace includes (1) acoupling tip; (2) a proximal ring configured to concentrically receivethe residual digit with a snug fit; (3) a distal ring configured toconcentrically receive the residual digit with a snug fit; and (4) arocker. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between aproximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and adistal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip.

Another embodiment provides a biomechanically driven brace assembly fora user's residual finger. The brace assembly includes (1) a distal ringconfigured to fit snugly about a middle phalanx of the finger in aring-like manner; (2) a coupling tip directly coupled with the distalring via a first hinged connection; (3) a proximal ring configured tofit snugly about the proximal phalanx of the finger in a ring-likemanner, where the proximal ring is directly coupled with the distal ringvia a second hinged connection; and (4) a rocker indirectly coupled withthe distal ring via a third hinged connection with the coupling tip anda fourth hinged connection with the proximal ring. The first and secondhinged connections define a midline relative to a z-axis. The thirdhinged connection is located below the midline, and the fourth hingedconnection is located above the midline, such that a relative rotationalmotion between the proximal ring and the distal ring causes a relativerotational motion between the distal ring and the coupling tip toemulate a finger's natural closing motion.

Yet another embodiment provides a method of fitting a customizedbiomechanically driven brace assembly having a proximal ring and adistal ring, each configured to accept a user's residual finger. Themethod includes (1) sliding the assembly onto the residual finger suchthat the proximal ring encircles a proximal phalanx of the finger andthe distal ring encircles a middle phalanx of the finger; (2) assessinga tightness of the proximal ring about the proximal phalanx and thedistal ring about the middle phalanx; (3) removing the assembly from theresidual finger; (4) selecting, from a plurality of shims havingdifferent thicknesses, at least a first shim; and (5) inserting thefirst shim into an interior of the proximal ring or the distal ring suchthat the first shim lines at least a portion of an interior of theproximal ring or at least a portion of an interior of the distal ring.The proximal and distal rings may each include one or moreshim-retainment apertures, and each of the plurality of shims mayinclude one or more retaining grommets, where the step of inserting thefirst shim into the interior of the proximal ring or the interior of thedistal ring comprises inserting the retaining grommets of the first shiminto the shim-retainment apertures of the proximal ring and/or thedistal ring.

Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the technology willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing, or may be learned from practice of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention,including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Illustrativeembodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of abiomechanical finger brace featuring a coupling tip having an open end;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the biomechanical finger brace of FIG.1, with a centerline axis bisecting the brace relative to a y-axis;

FIG. 3 illustrates a left-side view of the biomechanical finger brace ofFIGS. 1 and 2, with a midline axis intersecting first and second hingedconnections relative to a z-axis;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the biomechanical finger brace ofFIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the couplingtip of the biomechanical finger brace of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the coupling tip of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of abiomechanical finger brace featuring a coupling tip having a recessedend to receive a fingertip;

FIG. 8 illustrates a left-side view of the biomechanical finger brace ofFIG. 7, with a midline axis intersecting first and second hingedconnections relative to a z-axis;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the biomechanical finger brace of FIGS.7-8, with a centerline axis bisecting the brace relative to a y-axis;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the biomechanical fingerbrace of FIGS. 7-9;

FIG. 11 illustrates another perspective view of the biomechanical fingerbrace of FIGS. 7-10 in an articulated position;

FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the biomechanical finger brace ofFIGS. 1-4 with an inserted shim; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart depicting an exemplary method offitting the biomechanical finger braces of FIGS. 1-4 and 7-11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method.However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms andshould not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forthherein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense.

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a custom-designed,self-contained, biomechanically driven finger brace that can be fittedfor a user with a fully-formed but injured, sensitive, or dysfunctionalfinger, or an amputated fingertip or finger segment. The streamlined,sophisticated, and biomechanically driven design allows for a patientwith any level of residual finger to utilize a mechanical brace thatmimics the motions and functionalities of a real finger. The naturalaction of the finger brace assembly allows users to regain maximumcontrol of the flexion and extension movements of a fully functioningfinger and fingertip and is designed to articulate in a realistic,natural manner in response to movement in the user's own finger oradjacent fingers.

Embodiments described herein include an H-shaped rocker and a recessedcoupling tip, both discussed in detail below, that allow thebiomechanical finger brace to anchor to any length of residual finger,including an amputation of a fingertip, one or more finger segments, ora non-amputated finger, while protecting the finger against furtherinjury or hypersensitivity and providing the individual user withmaximum fit and use flexibility, dexterity, grip strength, andarticulation. As a result, the finger brace offers patients experiencingloss of digit function, as well as partial digit amputees, a functionalsolution that eases the transition back into daily activities, no matterhow intricate.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate perspective, top, side, and front views of oneembodiment of a biomechanical finger brace 100 a, respectively. In thisembodiment, biomechanical finger brace 100 a may include four majorinterconnected components that extend from a proximal end located at thepatient's hand to a distal end located at a distance from the patient'shand. These components include a proximal ring 102, a distal ring 104, acoupling tip 106 a, and an H-shaped rocker 108. Proximal ring 102 anddistal ring 104 may each have a respective body 112, 113. In thisembodiment, bodies 112, 113 may form circular or ring shapes that areconfigured to anchor onto a user's residual finger. More specifically,body 112 of proximal ring 102 may be configured to anchor about aproximal phalanx of a user's residual finger with a snug fit. Similarly,body 113 of distal ring 104 may be configured to anchor about a middlephalanx of a user's residual finger with a snug fit.

A series of hinges may be used to secure the four primary components ina manner that pivotally suspends distal ring 104 and rocker 108 betweencoupling tip 106 a and proximal ring 102. In one embodiment, theserotative connections may be particularly positioned with respect to apair of axes detailed in FIGS. 2-3. More specifically, FIG. 2 depicts acenterline, C, that bisects finger brace 100 a relative to a y-axis, andFIG. 3 shows a midline, M, that intersects a first hinged connection 110and a second hinged connection 114, both detailed below, relative to az-axis.

Turning to the various rotative connections shown in FIGS. 1-3, distalring 104 may rotatively couple with coupling tip 106 a via first hingedconnection 110, which may include a pair of parallel pivotal hinges thatare symmetric about centerline, C, discussed above in relation to FIG.2. Each of the pivotal hinges of connection 110 may provide a pivotpoint between distal ring 104 and coupling tip 106 a.

Proximal ring 102 may rotatively couple with distal ring 104 via secondhinged connection 114. Second hinged connection 114 may also include apair of parallel pivotal hinges that are symmetric about the centerline,C, one located on each side of brace 100 a such that each provides apivot point between proximal ring 102 and distal ring 104. As discussedabove in relation to FIG. 3, the midline, M, intersects hingedconnections 110 and 114, and, therefore, both first and second hingedconnections 110, 114 are located directly upon the midline, M, relativeto the z-axis.

Rocker 108 may form a H-shape having opposing first and second ends 116,118, respectively, that extend between coupling tip 106 a and proximalring 102. First end 116 may form a first split prong of the H-shape thatrotatively couples with coupling tip 106 a via a third hinged connection120 (FIGS. 1 and 3) located below the midline, M, relative to thez-axis. Second end 118 may form a second split prong of the H-shape thatrotatively couples with proximal ring 102 via a fourth hinged connection122 (FIGS. 1 and 3) located above the midline, M, relative to thez-axis. Both third and fourth hinged connections 120, 122 may include apair of parallel pivotal hinges that are symmetric about the centerline,C, each providing a pivot point between rocker 108 and coupling tip 106a/proximal ring 102.

To achieve the “suspension” configuration discussed above with respectto distal ring 104 and rocker 108, first and third hinged connections110, 120 may align to form a distal coordinated pivot point 115, whichis anchored upon coupling tip 106 a. Similarly, second and fourth hingedconnections 114, 122 may align to form a proximal coordinated pivotpoint 117, which is anchored upon proximal ring 102. While distal ring104 and rocker 108 do not directly connect to one another, they eachdirectly and pivotally connect with coupling tip 106 a and proximal ring102 via the distal and proximal coordinated pivot points 115, 117,respectively. As a result, distal ring 104 and rocker 108 are eachindependently, pivotally suspended between coupling tip 106 a andproximal ring 102, such that they push and pull in coordinated, yetindependent, manners relative to one another. This association of distalring 104 and rocker 104, without an actual direct link or connectionbetween the two components, allows for more complex, realisticarticulation motions of distal ring 104, rocker 108, and coupling tip106 a in response to biomechanical input forces exerted on proximal anddistal rings 102, 104.

Any one or more of the first, second, third, and/or fourth hingedconnections 110, 114, 120, 122 may be outfitted with hard-stops toprevent hyperextension of brace 100 a during operation. For example, ahard-stop 127, shown in FIG. 1, may prevent relative over-rotation offirst hinged connection 110, or between distal ring 104 and coupling tip106 a. Mechanical hard-stops may have any appropriate size, shape,and/or configuration.

Working together, proximal ring 102, distal ring 104, coupling tip 106a, and H-shaped rocker 108 form a 4-bar linkage system that allows thecoupling tip to be articulated in response to a pulling force on distalring 104, which places the member in tension and reduces the risk ofbuckling. Thus, natural movement of the patient's residual finger seatedwithin proximal ring 102 and distal ring 104, or in some cases movementof his or her adjacent fingers, may be used to actuate realistic flexionand extension motions within finger brace 100 a. Users may perform theirfull range of usual activities, including typing, playing a musicalinstrument, or any other activity that requires the full dexterity ofthe hand.

The unique and specialized H-shape of rocker 108 allows third hingedconnection 120 between rocker 108 and coupling tip 106 a to occuroutside the assembly, or outside the physical boundary defined by distalring 104 and coupling tip 106 a. This configuration allows users with arelatively longer residual finger, or a relatively long middle phalanx,to take advantage of additional clearance space within the assembly. Theuser's finger may sit comfortably within and concentric to the braceassembly 100 a, while still being protected against further damageand/or hypersensitivity. The concentric design that allows thecomponents of brace 100 a to surround or encircle the user's finger,rather than lie above, below, or otherwise adjacent to the finger,provides a low-profile, ergonomic, and attractive device that augmentsthe user's residual finger in the most natural way possible. Whilerocker 108 is described herein as having an H-shaped profile, it shouldbe understood that rocker 108 may take any appropriate size, shape,type, and/or configuration desired to achieve the functional benefitsdescribed above.

One embodiment of coupling tip 106 a may feature an open end 107, asshown in assembly FIGS. 1-4 and specifically detailed in FIG. 5-6, whichillustrate perspective and front views of open coupling tip 106 a. Inthis embodiment, open end 107 may provide a passageway for a finger soas to allow a tip of the finger to emerge from distal ring 104, into andthrough coupling tip 106 a, and out of open end 107 of coupling tip 106a. This embodiment allows brace 100 a to function as a therapeuticand/or protective device for a user who has experienced an injury or anytype of inhibited articulation functionality to a finger segment, but avery limited amputation or no amputation at all.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate perspective, side, top, cross-sectional, andperspective-articulated views of another embodiment of a finger brace100 b. In this embodiment, brace 100 b may be identical to brace 100 a(FIGS. 1-6), with the exception of an alternative coupling tip 106 b.Coupling tip 106 b may be configured to emulate the aesthetic of anactual fingertip, but may include a hollow recess 123, shown in thecross-sectional view FIG. 10, designed to receive the user's existingfingertip and provide protection against further injury and/orhypersensitivity.

Coupling tip 106 b may include a tip pad 124. Tip pad 124 may be formedfrom a soft-textured silicone or other material that mimics the textureof a real finger. This aids with gripping and provides a softer touch.In one embodiment, a touchscreen mechanism (not shown) may be providedto allow the user to use the brace to operate capacitive touchscreens,which react to the body's natural current. The touchscreen mechanismallows the user to direct his or her own body current through couplingtip 106 b of the brace.

One embodiment of coupling tip 106 b may also include a nail 126, whichmimics a natural edged nail that may provide scratching and peelingfunctionalities as well as assist with fine-object manipulation.

Embodiments of biomechanical finger brace 100 a, 100 b are customdesigned and individually fitted to accommodate a variety of differinguser conditions. In this regard, each finger brace 100 a, 100 b may becustom manufactured to fit a particular patient or user, providing bothcustom functionality as well as a mechanical match to the anatomicaljoint articulation of the user. Design considerations include a numberand physiology of joints to be stabilized and other characteristicsspecific to the individual end user. H-shaped rocker 108 is designed toprovide a full-coverage “cage” above and about a patient's finger,thereby protecting the finger from irritation and/or hypersensitivity,without interfering with the supported finger within the biomechanicalfinger brace 100 a, 100 b.

To further provide better aesthetics, embodiments of finger brace 100 a,100 b may be coated with films and/or colorings matched to the user'sskin tone/color. An additive manufacturing process (i.e., 3D printing)facilitates this ability to customize the intricacies of the bracedesign in order to optimize finger brace 100 a, 100 b for each patient.

Embodiments of finger brace 100 a, 100 b may be formed of any suitablestructural material that is non-irritating to human skin and allows theuser to operate the brace with comfort and confidence. Exemplarymaterials include titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, silicone, carbonfiber, nylon, plastic/polymer, wood, rubber, gold, silver, tungsten,flex cable, neoprene, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment,components of finger brace 100 a, 100 b are 3D printed from Duraform EXpolymer material.

Using biocompatible materials, various embodiments of finger brace 100a, 100 b may be applied as an orthopedic implant that may be surgicallyimplanted into a user's finger. This option may be applied for usershaving injuries that have crushed their finger bones without the abilityto heal or be repaired. In these situations, implantable embodiments ofbiomechanical finger brace 100 a, 100 b are able to take the place ofthe user's original bones without the need for amputation.

In use, the user may simply slide proximal ring 102 and distal ring 104of finger brace 100 a, 100 b onto his or her residual finger, and, ifnecessary, adjust further using a shim(s). FIG. 12 depicts a rear viewof finger brace 100 a, in which body 112 of proximal ring 102 isoutfitted with a shim 128, which may be employed to allow the sizing ofbody 112 to account for possible swelling in the fingers, weightgain/loss, or any other post-manufacture changes in the size of theresidual finger. While shim 128 is shown inserted into proximal ring 102of brace 100 a, it should be understood that shim 128 applies equally tobraces 100 a and 100 b.

In further detail, a fit kit (not shown) may be provided with eachfinger brace 100 a, 100 b and may include a number of shims 128. In thisembodiment shown in FIG. 12, shim 128 may approximate a semi-circle orU-shape that abuts an inner diameter, d, of body 112 of proximal ring102. Shim 128 may have a number of retaining grommets 130 configured toprotrude through corresponding shim-retainment apertures 132 within body112 of proximal ring 102. In other embodiments, shims may form a lesserarc, a full ring, or any other appropriate shape. Each shim 128 may havea different thickness, t, thereby allowing the user to essentiallyadjust the inner diameter, d, of body 112 of proximal ring 102 in anumber of increments as required by the user.

Once finger brace 100 a, 100 b (adjusted or otherwise) is in place, theuser may utilize his or her natural finger movements. The rotativelycoupled components of finger brace 100 a, 100 b will articulate usingthe same cognitive process that was previously utilized for the originalfinger. If a user wears multiple braces 100 a, 100 b, each may beindividually operated.

FIG. 13 provides a flow chart depicting an exemplary method 150 forinstalling and adjusting, or fitting, one embodiment of proximal ring102 of finger brace 100 a, 100 b upon a user's finger. Notably, distalring 104 may be adjusted in a manner similar to that discussed below inrelation to proximal ring 102 and method 150.

The method begins with inserting (152) the finger into body 112 ofproximal ring 102 and assessing a tightness (154) of body 112 about thefinger. Depending on this assessment (154), the user, a medicalprofessional, or another assistant may select a first shim 128 (156)from the fit kit or another source. The user may then remove the finger(158) from proximal ring 102 and insert first shim 128 (160) into theinner diameter, d, of body 112 such that first shim 128 lines the innerdiameter, d, while retaining grommets 130 protrude throughshim-retainment apertures 132. Once first shim is installed (160), theuser may reinsert the residual finger (162) into proximal ring 102 andassess a tightness (164) of first shim 128 (which now lines body 112 ofproximal ring 102) about the residual finger. If the shimmed proximalring 102 fits, method 150 is complete (166), and the user may proceed tobiomechanically drive finger brace 100 a. If shimmed proximal ring 102does not fit, method 150 may return to the step of selecting a shim(156), in which a second shim having a different thickness may beselected before proceeding. The user may experiment with multiple shimsof varying thicknesses until an ideal or desired fit is achieved.

Embodiments of the finger brace 100 a, 100 b described above exhibitnumerous unique characteristics and provide a variety of medicalbenefits. An individual's unique physiology and lifestyle patternsdictate the function and performance expected of his or her hands. Usingembodiments of the brace described herein, patients may regainindependent control of their hands, whether at work or at play. Eachdevice is custom designed, manufactured for a specific individual, andincorporates features that allow for further fine-tuning and adjustmentof fit to account for post-manufacturing fluctuations (e.g., shims),enabling the device to fit the user in a manner that allows for abiomechanically driven, low profile, lightweight, highly functioningreturn to the user's everyday activities, no matter what thoseactivities might entail. A few examples include typing, playing thepiano or another instrument, woodworking, and much more.

Embodiments of the biomechanical finger brace described above are bodypowered, concentrically designed about the length of the finger, andfeature linked components that articulate when the user simply moves hisor her braced finger. Beyond allowing for a simple, elegant, andstreamlined design that offers strength in the lowest possible profiledesign, employing the user's own biomechanics to drive embodiments offinger brace 100 a, 100 b provide a host of medical benefits to theuser, including reduced swelling of and increased circulation to thebraced finger and the hand as a whole, supporting healthy joints in theinjured and adjacent fingers.

Although the above embodiments have been described in language that isspecific to certain structures, elements, compositions, andmethodological steps, it is to be understood that the technology definedin the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specificstructures, elements, compositions and/or steps described. Rather, thespecific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing theclaimed technology. Since many embodiments of the technology can bepracticed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A biomechanical brace assembly for a user'sresidual digit, comprising: a coupling tip; a proximal ring configuredto concentrically receive the residual digit with a snug fit; a distalring configured to concentrically receive the residual digit with a snugfit; and a rocker, wherein the distal ring and the rocker are pivotallysuspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on theproximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on thecoupling tip.
 2. The biomechanical brace assembly of claim 1, whereinthe distal coordinated pivot point comprises a first hinged connectionbetween the distal ring and the coupling tip and a third hingedconnection between the rocker and the coupling tip.
 3. The biomechanicalbrace assembly of claim 2, wherein the proximal coordinated pivot pointcomprises a second hinged connection between the distal ring and theproximal ring and a fourth hinged connection between the rocker and theproximal ring.
 4. The biomechanical brace assembly of claim 3, whereinthe distal ring and the rocker lack a direct connection.
 5. Thebiomechanical brace assembly of claim 3, wherein the rocker defines anH-shape having opposing first and second ends, the first end forming afirst split prong at the third hinged connection, and the second endforming a second split prong at the fourth hinged connection.
 6. Thebiomechanical brace assembly of claim 5, wherein: the first hingedconnection between the distal ring and the coupling tip and the secondhinged connection between the distal ring and the proximal ring define amidline relative to a z-axis; the third hinged connection between thefirst split prong of the rocker and the coupling tip is located belowthe midline; and the fourth hinged connection between the second splitprong of the rocker and the proximal ring is located above the midline,such that a relative rotational motion between the proximal ring and thedistal ring causes a relative rotational motion between the distal ringand the coupling tip to emulate a finger's natural closing motion. 7.The biomechanical brace assembly of claim 6, wherein a centerlinebisects the assembly relative to a y-axis, and wherein the first,second, third, and fourth hinged connections each comprise a pair ofparallel pivotal hinges that are symmetric about the centerline.
 8. Thebiomechanical brace assembly of claim 6, further comprising one or moremechanical hard-stops configured to prevent relative over-rotation atthe first, second, third, or fourth hinged connections.
 9. Thebiomechanical brace assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling tipcomprises a recess to accept a fingertip.
 10. The biomechanical braceassembly of claim 9, wherein the coupling tip further comprises a tippad.
 11. The biomechanical brace assembly of claim 1, wherein thecoupling tip comprises an open end.
 12. A biomechanically driven braceassembly for a user's residual finger, comprising: a distal ringconfigured to fit snugly about a middle phalanx of the finger in aring-like manner; a coupling tip directly coupled with the distal ringvia a first hinged connection; a proximal ring configured to fit snuglyabout the proximal phalanx of the finger in a ring-like manner, theproximal ring directly coupled with the distal ring via a second hingedconnection; and a rocker indirectly coupled with the distal ring via athird hinged connection with the coupling tip and a fourth hingedconnection with the proximal ring, wherein: the first and second hingedconnections define a midline relative to a z-axis; the third hingedconnection is located below the midline; and the fourth hingedconnection is located above the midline, such that a relative rotationalmotion between the proximal ring and the distal ring causes a relativerotational motion between the distal ring and the coupling tip toemulate a finger's natural closing motion.
 13. The biomechanicallydriven brace assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and third hingedconnections align at a distal coordinated pivot point on the couplingtip, and wherein the second and fourth hinged connections align at aproximal coordinated pivot point on the proximal ring.
 14. Thebiomechanically driven brace assembly of claim 12, wherein when in use,the assembly and the finger are concentric.
 15. The biomechanicallydriven brace assembly of claim 12, wherein the rocker defines an H-shapehaving opposing first and second ends, the first end forming a firstsplit prong at the third hinged connection, and the second end forming asecond split prong at the fourth hinged connection.
 16. Thebiomechanically driven brace assembly of claim 15, wherein a centerlinebisects the assembly relative to a y-axis, and wherein the first,second, third, and fourth hinged connections each comprise a pair ofparallel pivotal hinges that are symmetric about the centerline.
 17. Thebiomechanically driven brace assembly of claim 12, wherein the couplingtip comprises one of an open end and a recess to accept a fingertip. 18.The biomechanical brace assembly of claim 12, further comprising one ormore mechanical hard-stops configured to prevent relative over-rotationat the first, second, third, or fourth hinged connections.
 19. A methodof fitting a customized biomechanically driven brace assembly having aproximal ring and a distal ring, each configured to accept a user'sresidual finger, comprising: sliding the assembly onto the residualfinger such that the proximal ring encircles a proximal phalanx of thefinger and the distal ring encircles a middle phalanx of the finger;assessing a tightness of the proximal ring about the proximal phalanxand the distal ring about the middle phalanx; removing the braceassembly from the residual finger; selecting, from a plurality of shimshaving different thicknesses, at least a first shim; and inserting thefirst shim into an interior of the proximal ring or the distal ring suchthat the first shim lines at least a portion of an interior of theproximal ring or at least a portion of an interior of the distal ring.20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the proximal and distal rings eachcomprise one or more shim-retainment apertures; each of the plurality ofshims comprises one or more retaining grommets; and the step ofinserting the first shim into the interior of the proximal ring or theinterior of the distal ring comprises inserting the retaining grommetsof the first shim into the shim-retainment apertures of the proximalring or the distal ring.